Method and apparatus for configuring a golf club in accordance with a golfer&#39;s individual swing characteristics

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method is provided for analyzing a golfer&#39;s individual swing attributes and determining, based on that analysis, a suitable golf club configuration for that golfer. The swing analysis apparatus include video cameras for obtaining video images of a golfer swinging a golf club, such as a putter, at a golf ball. Images obtained from the video cameras may then be analyzed to determine what golf club dimensions will provide improved results in combination with the golfer&#39;s individual swing characteristics. The apparatus may additionally include a golf club having predetermined dimensions. When such a golf club is included, images from the video cameras may be analyzed to determine how the golf club of known dimensions must be adjusted to provide the golfer with desirable swing results. The apparatus may also include a method for confirming the dimensions that it is believed will provide a golfer with improve swing results. Such methods include an analysis of the performance of a golf ball following impact with the golf club, and an analysis of the golfer&#39;s wrist and head movement during the golf swing.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to equipment used in thegame of golf. More particularly, the present invention relates to amethod and apparatus for custom fitting a golf club in accordance with agolfer's individual swing characteristics.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] In recent years, technology relating to the game of golf hasevolved rapidly, with many different systems having been implemented forimproving the quality of play and the quality of the equipment utilized.For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,375,887 and 4,063,259 disclose methods ofanalyzing golf ball flight characteristics upon impact with a golf club.Likewise, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,342,054; 5,697,791; 5,486,001; 5,472,205;5,249,967; 5,154,427; 5,111,410; and 4,713,686 disclose systems andmethods for analyzing a golfer's swing, and providing feedback to thegolfer based thereon. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,063,259 and 4,375,887 disclosetechniques for detecting golf club head position, and golf ballposition, shortly after impact using photoelectric means to trigger aflash so as to permit a photograph to be taken of the club head. U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,501,463 and 5,575,719 disclose techniques for detecting clubhead position shortly after impact using cameras capable of receivinglight from multiple reflectors placed on the club head prior to theswing.

[0006] However, while numerous golf swing analysis, ball trajectoryanalysis, and club head detection systems have been implemented, thereexists a need in the art for a fully satisfactory apparatus and methodto review and analyze a golfer's individual swing characteristics, andthen configure a golf club in accordance with those characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for analyzing a golfer's individual swingattributes and determining based on that analysis, a suitable golf clubconfiguration for that golfer.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus isprovided that includes a striking location for receiving a golf ball tobe struck. The apparatus further includes video camera means, such ashigh speed video cameras, directed at the striking location forobtaining video images of a golf club during a golfer's swing at thegolf ball in the striking area. A means for receiving and storing thevideo images from the video cameras is also included, along with a meansfor initiating the storage of video images from the video cameras. Adisplay, such as a computer monitor, is used for displaying the storedvideo images of the golfer's swing. In addition, a means is included foranalyzing the displayed video images of the golfer's swing anddetermining based on that analysis what golf club dimensions willprovide desired results in combination with that golfer's swing.

[0009] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, theapparatus additionally includes a golf club, such as a putter, havingpredetermined dimensions. In this embodiment of the invention, a meansis provided for determining, from an analysis of a golfer's swing withthe golf club, the amount the dimensions of that golf club must beadjusted to provide the golfer with desirable swing results. Suchdimensions would include, for example, the lie and loft of the golfclub.

[0010] The apparatus may additionally include a means for confirming theclub dimensions that are expected to provide a golfer with desired swingresults. Means to confirm the appropriate dimensions include an analysisof the performance of a golf ball following impact with the golf club,or an analysis of the golfer's wrist and head movement during the golfswing.

[0011] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a methodfor configuring a golf club in accordance with an individual golfer'sswing is provided. In this embodiment of the invention, a golfer isprovided with a golf club of predetermined dimensions, such as a putter.A golf ball is then positioned and aligned in a striking area so thatvideo cameras aimed at the striking area will obtain video images of agolfer's swing while using the golf club. Thereafter, the golfer isinstructed to proceed with his or her own golf swing, while atapproximately the same time, one or more of the video cameras areactivated. Images obtained by the video cameras during the golfer'sswing are then captured and stored. From these stored video images, theposition of the golf club during the golfer's swing, and the resultsobtained from that swing, may then be determined. Based on the positionof the golf club during the golfer's swing and the results obtainedusing the golf club of known dimensions, a golf club may then becustomized in accordance with that golfer's individual swingcharacteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus constructed inaccordance with the invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a flow chart setting forth an exemplary method of theinvention for analyzing a golfer's swing, and custom fitting a golf clubin accordance with that swing;

[0015] FIGS. 3A-B are, respectively, front and side views of a putter ofknown dimensions for use with the invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a computer display of a shaft side view still imageillustrating the method according to the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a computer display of a ball side view still imageillustrating the method according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a computer display of a putter grip side view stillimage illustrating the method according to the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a computer display of an overhead view still imageillustrating the method according to the present invention; and

[0020]FIG. 8 is a computer display of a forward facing view still imageillustrating the method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in the context of golf putters, and the custom fitting of golfputters, although those skilled in the art will recognize that thedisclosed methods and structures are readily adaptable for broaderapplication.

[0022]FIG. 1 discloses a putter analysis system according to oneexemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the systemincludes an artificial putting surface 16 with a hole 14, placedapproximately 20 feet from the striking area, for receiving a golf ball12. The system is suitable for either indoor or outdoor use, and furtherincludes a ball side view camera 20, a shaft side view camera 22, a gripside view camera 24, an overhead view camera 26, and a forward facingcamera 28. Each camera is preferably positioned near golfer 10 using anysuitable, stable support means, but not so near as to interfere with thegolfer's putting stroke. More specifically, ball side view camera 20 ispreferably placed at ground level, or as close to ground level aspossible, approximately 2-3 feet from golf ball 12 so as to captureclose-up side-view images of the putter head and golf ball during theputting stroke. Shaft side view camera 22 may be placed directly abovecamera 20, approximately 1-2 feet from ground level, so as to obtainside images of the lower half of the golf club shaft during the puttingstroke. Grip side view camera 24 is preferably placed directly abovecameras 20 and 22, approximately 2-3 feet above ground level, so as toobtain close-up side images of the golfer's grip during the puttingstroke. Overhead video camera 26 is mounted directly above the head ofgolfer 10, approximately 8-10 feet off the ground, so as to obtainimages of the golfer's head and golf club swing plane during the puttingstroke. Forward facing camera 28 is placed in the golfer's putting line,approximately 12 feet from the golf ball, so as to obtain images thatreflect the position of the putter strike face during the puttingstroke. Camera 28 should be placed as close to the ground as possible,but no closer than 2 inches, so that a standard 1.68″ diameter golf ballwill travel unimpeded to hole 14 if positioned beyond camera 28.

[0023] Although cameras 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 may comprise any type ofhigh speed video camera, one suitable camera is the Kodak® MotioncorderAnalyzer, Model 1000™ video camera, which can record video images atspeeds up to 600 frames per second from the above-referenced locations.While it is to be understood that any number of cameras and cameraangles may be employed in accordance with the invention, preferably atleast three cameras are employed (in particular, camera 20, camera 22and camera 28 for better results). The five cameras located in thepositions disclosed in FIG. 1 are merely illustrative of a preferredembodiment from which good results have been achieved. Persons ofordinary skill in the art may select the number of cameras and theirlocations according to desired results based on the teachings of thepresent invention. Additionally, if golfer 10 is a left-handed golfer,the positions of cameras 20, 22, and 24 would necessarily be oppositethose positions set forth in FIG. 1.

[0024] The outputs of video cameras 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 are connectedto a computer 30, which includes an attached monitor 32 and keyboard 34.In one embodiment of the invention, computer 30 is an IBM-compatiblepersonal computer with a Pentium® Processor running at least Windows95®, and includes a 17″ Ultra VGA monitor 32. Depending on the desiredmeans for storing images obtained from video cameras 20, 22, 24, 26, and28, computer 30 may additionally be attached to a video cassetterecorder (VCR), a DVD player, or a CD ROM (read only memory) drive(although neither a VCR, DVD player, or a CD ROM drive is shown in FIG.1). In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, however, computer 30includes a video capture card for converting video images captured fromthe attached cameras into standard AVI-format data files. These standardAVI-format data files may then be stored on the hard drive of computer30, or on a CD ROM using an attached CD ROM drive. Although any videocapture card may be used, one suitable capture card is the Intel® SmartVideo Recorder Board™. If video images are to be captured from only onecamera at a time, a video splitter box, such as a Radioshack® videosplitter box, may be placed between the five video cameras and computer30 to accomplish this objective.

[0025] Turning now to FIG. 2, a flow chart is disclosed that sets fortha method, in accordance with the invention, for reviewing and analyzinga golfer's swing, and custom fitting a club (in this example a putter)to that swing. As shown in FIG. 2, a golfer 10 must first be equippedwith a putter of known dimensions (step 50). One such putter is thatdisclosed in FIGS. 3A-B, which contains an exemplary putter head 802.Putter head 802 includes a hosel 810, a back face 812, a heel 814 andtoe 816, a top ridge 818, a sole 820, and a front strike face 822. Frontstrike face 822 is flat, and is set at approximately a 4° loft withrespect to a line perpendicular to sole 820. Putter head 802 and shaft804 are configured such that putter 800 has a 71° lie.

[0026] Although golfer 10 may be equipped with any putter of knowndimensions, equipping golfer 10 with putter 800 is additionallyadvantageous, as a putter with such dimensions is generally understood,when used properly, to provide desirable putting results. Accordingly,as is discussed below in detail, if desirable putting results are notobtained during the putting stroke, such information may be used whencustom fitting a putter in accordance with the golfer's individual swingcharacteristics. Thus for example, it has been determined that, if theputter strike face has a 4° loft at impact with a golf ball, the golfball will be imparted with a generally true roll, allowing the golfer tomore easily control the direction of travel of the golf ball and thedistance the ball travels. In contrast, if the loft of the putter strikeface is less than 4° at impact (due, for example to a particulargolfer's forward press which, one skilled in the art will understand, isa situation wherein the golfer allows his grip to travel ahead of theclub face during the putting stroke), golf ball 12 may be driven intothe putting surface. This causes the golf ball to hop off of the puttingsurface, resulting in reduced putting accuracy. Similarly, if the putterstrike face has greater than a 4° loft at impact (due, for example to aparticular golfer's rearward press which, one skilled in the art willunderstand, is a situation wherein the golfer allows his grip to travelbehind the club face during the putting stroke), undesirable backspinmay be imparted on golf ball 12, causing golf ball 12 to “check-up” uponcontact with the putting surface, again resulting in a loss of puttingaccuracy. Since putter 800 is configured with a strike face 822 having a4° loft, if putter 800 is utilized in a standard fashion (imparting noforward or rearward press during the stroke), strike face 822 will havea 4° loft at impact, resulting in desirable putting results. If it isfound that strike face 822 does not have a 4° loft at impact (as aresult of the golfer's swing), this information may be used, asexplained in detail below, to customize a putter to that golfer's swing.

[0027] Once golfer 10 has been fitted with a golf club of knowndimensions, golf ball 12 must be placed at a location on putting surface16 (the striking area) that is within view of video camera 20 (step 52).As shown in FIG. 5 for example, dark-colored bands may be advantageouslyplaced along two perpendicular circumferences of golf ball 12 prior toits placement in the striking area, allowing for more accurate analysisof golf ball movement following impact with the putter. Specifically,with dark-colored bands placed on golf ball 12, it is much easier, giventhe limitations on the quality of captured video images, to analyze themovement imparted on golf ball 12 once it is struck.

[0028] Once golf ball 12 is properly positioned with respect to cameras20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, golfer 10 putts the ball with his or her ownnatural putting stroke (step 54). At approximately the same time golfer10 initiates his or her putting stroke, or immediately before that time,one or more of the video cameras 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 are activated(step 56). As is discussed in more detail below, activation of the videocameras may be accomplished manually by the system operator, or may beaccomplished through a software routine in computer 30.

[0029] As is also discussed in more detail below, during the golfer'sputting stroke, video images from the activated cameras are captured andstored using the video capture card and storage means of computer 30(step 58). If video images from additional putting strokes are to becaptured, or if video images from only one camera at a time are to becaptured, golfer 10 may be instructed to proceed with additional puttingstrokes (step 60). However, if images are only being obtained from onecamera at a time, the selection means on the video splitter box must beadjusted so that computer 30 will receive signals from the desired videocamera before each successive putting stroke.

[0030] Once all desired images from the video cameras have been capturedand stored digitally in data files, the golfer's putting stroke mustthen be analyzed (step 62). To facilitate this analysis, a sportstraining software system may be employed. One exemplary embodiment of asports training software system is a modified version of the NEAT System3.0—Never Ending Athletic Trainer™, available from Neat Systems, Inc.,133 Defense Highway, Suite 109, Annapolis, Md. 21401. As discussedbelow, the NEAT System 3.0 is modified, in accordance with theinvention, to include both a detailed angular read-out for the systemoperator and the ability to be linked to multiple cameras (as opposed tosingle camera). It is to be understood, however, that although sportstraining software system is described using as an example NEAT System3.0, any method or apparatus for graphically displaying and analyzing agolfer's stroke in accordance with the invention may be employed.

[0031] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface 302 for the sports training software system. As shown in FIGS.4-8, user interface 302 includes a video-image screen 304. Video-imagescreen 304 allows the user to view and analyze images captured fromcameras 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 using various functions of the puttinganalysis system relating to the display and analysis of a puttingstroke. User interface 302 enables the user to select from and utilizethese functions, functions which include capture video 310, reviewcapture video 312, open video 314, forward play 316, forward step 318,reverse play 320, reverse step 322, window number 324, line 326, circle328, rectangle 330, and angle 332. For clarification, the graphicbuttons in user interface 302 that correspond to these various functionshave been labelled with the matching function numbers in FIG. 4.

[0032] As mentioned, before the video images are to be analyzed, theymust first be captured (step 58 in FIG. 2). This may be done usingcapture video 310 function. When the capture video button is depressed(button 310 in FIG. 4), the user interface of modified NEAT System willallow the user to select from one of the five available video cameras.Once a video camera is selected, the video camera may be controlledusing the sports training software system. Specifically, NEAT System 3.0can be modified to allow the user to control from the user interface thefunctions of the cameras being used. In the case of the Kodak®Motioncorder Analyzer, Model 1000™, these functions include trigger,mode, playback direction, stop/escape, and shutter speed/frame rate. Bycontrolling the cameras from user interface 302, the system operator cancapture a video image without leaving computer 30, and without having tomanually control the video cameras from the video camera positions.These captured images may then stored as a data file using the videocapture card of computer 30. If the user wishes to review the capturedimages prior to permanent storage on the hard drive of computer 30, oron a CD ROM, review capture file 312 function may be used (by depressingbutton 312 in FIG. 4) to play the captured video images back in realtime.

[0033] Once all desired images have been captured and stored, aparticular image to be reviewed and analyzed may be opened intovideo-image screen 304 using open video function 314 (by depressingbutton 314). Once selected, open video function 314 prompts the systemoperator for the file name and file path of the video-image file to beanalyzed.

[0034] Once a video-image file is opened, various functions of thesoftware system may be utilized to manipulate and analyze the videoimages. For example, if forward play 318 function is selected bydepressing button 318, the opened video image will play back at normal,real-time speed in screen 304. If reverse play 320 function is chosen,the opened video image will play back in reverse at normal, real-timespeed. If the user selects the forward step 320 or reverse step 324functions, the captured video images will proceed in either forward orreverse fashion one frame at a time in screen 304. This sequentialprocession of frames is controlled by the user through buttons 320 and324 in FIG. 4; each time these buttons are depressed, the video proceedsforward (or backward) one step or frame, which is equivalent, forexample, to 0.00167 seconds if a 600 frame per second camera is beingutilized. Using these functions, the user can advance to and then stopat any specific phase of the golfer's swing for more detailed analysis.Two appropriate stopping points for such an analysis are at the point ofball/club impact, or immediately thereafter.

[0035] An exemplary video image, wherein such an appropriate stoppingpoint has been reached, is disclosed in screen 304 of FIG. 4.Specifically, screen 304 of FIG. 4 includes a shaft side view stillimage, previously captured from camera 22, obtained at the time the golfclub impacts the ball. Once such an advantageous stopping point isreached, additional functions of the system may be used to analyze thegolfer's putting stroke. This detailed analysis using additional systemfunctions will now be described in the context of FIGS. 4-8.

[0036] As mentioned, FIG. 4 illustrates a shaft side view video imageobtained at the time the golf club impacts the ball. Using anglefunction 332, the angle of the club shaft upon the putter's impact withthe ball may be determined from this still image. In general, anglefunction 332 allows the user to draw two lines over image screen 304,said two lines connecting to form a vertex. The system will then computeand display the precise angle formed between these two lines.

[0037] Accordingly, to determine the club shaft angle at impact, theuser first draws a line along the club shaft, and then connects to thatline a horizontal line representing the putting surface. The puttinganalysis system will then compute and display the angle between thesetwo lines, which represents the club shaft angle at impact with theball. An example of two such lines, and the resulting angular read-out340 (87 degrees in FIG. 4), can be seen in video image screen 304 ofFIG. 4. In accordance with one previously-described modification to NEATSystem 3.0, this angular reading is also displayed to two-decimal placeaccuracy (87.09 degrees in FIG. 4), at a second position 342 on thecomputer screen.

[0038] Using the obtained angular reading, it may be determined whethergolfer 10 has a forward or rearward press of the putter at impact, andif so, the extent of the press. Thus, for example, if the obtainedangular reading is 87°, as shown in FIG. 4, this would indicate that thegolfer has a 3° forward press. This information may then be used tocustom-fit a putter to that golfer's putting stroke (step 64 in FIG. 2).Specifically, if golfer 10 has a forward press upon impact with theball, he or she is de-lofting the putter strike face 822 from itsoriginal, desired 4° angle. Accordingly, the strike face of golfer 10'sputter should be additionally lofted by the amount of forward pressimparted by golfer 10 on the putter during the putting stroke. So, forexample, if golfer 10 has a 3° forward press at impact with the golfball, his or her putter should be customized to include a strike facewith a 7° loft. It is known that golfer 10 will de-loft the 7° strikeface by three degrees, resulting in the desired 4° loft at impact withthe ball. Similarly, if golfer 10 has a rearward press, he or she islofting the putter face from its original, desired 4° angle.Accordingly, the face of golfer 10's putter should be de-lofted by theamount of rearward press imparted by golfer 10. For example, if golfer10 has a 3° rearward press at impact with the golf ball, his or herputter should be customized to include a strike face with a 1° loft. Itis known that golfer 10 will loft the 1° strike face by three degrees,resulting in the desired 4° loft at impact with the ball.

[0039] An 86° angle is additionally disclosed in FIG. 4. This angle wasdrawn to correspond to the angle of the putter shaft just prior toinitiation of the putter stroke, and allows a golfer to compare theposition of his putter just prior to swing initiation with the positionof his putter at impact with the golf ball. Such a comparison isadvantageous as it allows the golfer, for example, to determine whetherhis wrists are hinging during the putting stroke. If the angular readingprior to the putting stroke differs from that obtained at impact withthe golf ball, this would tend to indicate that a certain amount ofwrist movement is occurring.

[0040] One skilled in the art will understand that although anglefunction 332 has been described in the context of a manually drawnangle, a software routine can be easily implemented to automate anglefunction 332. For example, the system can be programmed to automaticallyrecognize, upon command, the putter shaft (either by color, shape, or bydistinct markings placed at various predetermined locations on theshaft), and to determine the angle between the shaft and a horizontalplane. By automating angle function 332 in this fashion, any potentialerror introduced by the system operator in drawing the angle will beeliminated.

[0041] Screen 304 of FIG. 5 includes a ball side view still image,previously captured from camera 20, obtained immediately after the golfclub has impacted the ball. By viewing ball side view images immediatelyfollowing the point of club/ball impact (by for example forward stepfunction 318), additional information may be obtained regarding theputting stroke of golfer 10. For example, by analyzing the performanceof golf ball 12 once struck, it may be determined whether golfer 10 is“slicing” or “drawing” the golf ball. It may also be determined whetherthe golfer is properly keeping the club face square through impact or,alternatively, whether the golfer is opening or closing the club facethrough impact.

[0042] For a right handed golfer, “slicing” refers to those situationswherein the ball is imparted with a clockwise rotation, when viewed fromthe golfer's perspective, upon impact (for a left handed golfer, itwould be a counter clockwise rotation). A sliced putt may result whenthe putting stroke starts outside the proper swing plane, and thenproceeds to move towards the inside of the swing plane upon impact withgolf ball 12 (keeping the hands too “still” through impact may alsoresult in, or exacerbate, a sliced shot). For a right handed golfer,“drawing” refers to those situations wherein the ball is imparted with acounter-clockwise rotation, when viewed from the golfer's perspective,upon impact (for a left handed golfer, it would be a clockwiserotation). A drawn putt may result when the putting stroke starts insidethe proper swing plane, and then proceeds to move towards the outside ofthe swing plane upon impact with the golf ball (over aggressive handmovement while closing the club face at impact may also result in, orexacerbate, a drawn shot). Slicing or drawing of the golf ball duringthe putting stroke is undesirable, as it results in a loss of puttingaccuracy, both in terms of direction and in terms of distance. A failureto keep the club face square through impact is undesirable for thesesame reasons.

[0043] Once it has been determined whether golfer 10 is slicing ordrawing the golf ball when putting, and to what extent, or whether agolfer is keeping the club face square through impact, this informationmay be used to customize the putter of golfer 10 in accordance with hisor her individual swing characteristics. Specifically, if golfer 10 isslicing the ball or keeping the clubface open through impact, his or herputter should be configured with more “offset”. Offset refers to aputter configuration wherein the strikeface is set back (or forward asthe case may be) of the putter shaft. By offsetting the strike face backor rearward of the putter shaft in an exaggerated fashion, the golfer isprovided with more time to square the club face prior to impact with thegolf ball, thus reducing the amount of slice imparted on the golf ball.

[0044] Alternatively, if golfer 10 is drawing the golf ball or keepingthe clubface closed through impact, the golf club should be configuredwith less offset, or no offset, so as to give the golfer less time tosquare the club face at impact, thus reducing the amount of-drawimparted on the golf ball.

[0045] Ball side view still image of FIG. 5, obtained immediately afterthe golf club has impacted the ball, may also be used to confirm theangular measurements obtained in conjunction with the shaft side viewstill image of FIG. 4. Using angle function 332 in the same fashion asdescribed in the context of FIG. 4, the angle of strike face 822 atimpact with the golf ball may be determined. The 92° angle shown in FIG.5, for example, confirms that golfer 10 is forward pressing the putterby 2°, as a model 4° angle of the club face at impact would result in anangular reading, taken from the strike face, of 94°.

[0046] Ball side view moving images following impact may also be used toconfirm whether an appropriate loft of the putter strike face exists atimpact. For example, it has been determined that for a 20 foot putt, thegolf ball should preferably travel through the air, with no backspin,for approximately 9 inches when properly struck. If the ball istravelling through the air for more than 9 inches, with backspin, thistends to indicate that putter strike face 822 is too lofted at impactwith the golf ball. If the ball travels less than 9 inches through theair, with immediate forward spin, this tends to indicate that the putterstrike face 822 is not lofted enough at impact. In this fashion, thesystem operator can further confirm the status of the putter strike faceat impact with golf ball 12.

[0047] Screen 304 of FIG. 6 includes a putter grip side view stillimage, previously captured from camera 24, obtained immediately afterthe golf club has impacted the ball. By viewing putter grip side viewimages immediately prior to and then following the point of club/ballimpact (by for example forward step function 318), it may be determinedwhether the wrists of golfer 10 are remaining still through impact, asis preferred, or whether the wrists are “breaking down” through impact.A “breaking down” of the wrists during the putting stroke refers tothose instances wherein movement occurs at the wrist joints of golfer10. It is well recognized that the desired putting stroke employs aback-and-forth pendulum movement largely at the shoulders, with nohinging or movement of the wrist during the putting stroke. If thewrists are moving, or “breaking down”, during the stroke, this maydisadvantageously result in a backward press of the strike face (if thewrists are used to move the club face forward of the golfer's handsprior to impact) or a forward press of the strike face (if the wristshinge so as to allow the club face to drag behind the golfer's handsprior to impact). Using putter grip side view images to determinewhether the wrists are breaking down, and if so, in what fashion,enables the user of the system to further confirm the angular readingsobtained from the shaft and ball side view images of FIGS. 4 and 5, andto potentially pinpoint for the golfer the reason for those angularreadings. So, for example, if it is determined from the angular readingsoff the shaft and strike face that golfer 10 has a two degree forwardpress, and then using the grip side view images, it is determined thatthe golfer is allowing the putter head to drag behind his hands byletting his wrists hinge, the findings from the angular readings havebeen confirmed and the cause of the forward press has been determined.

[0048] By viewing putter grip side view images immediately prior to andthen following the point of club/ball impact (by for example forwardstep function 318), it may also be determined whether golfer 10 isleaning one way or the other (in other words, placing too much weight onone foot or the other) during the putting stroke. If golfer 10 isleaning toward the target during the stroke (i.e., placing too muchweight on his left leg), this may disadvantageously result in a forwardpress of the strike face due to the steeper angle of attack imparted bythe golfer's forward lean. If golfer 10 is leaning away from the targetduring the stroke (i.e., placing too much weight on his right, rearleg), this may disadvantageously result in a backward press of thestrike face due to the more shallow angle of attack imparted by thegolfer's rearward lean. Using putter grip side view images to determinewhether the golfer is leaning, and if so, in what fashion, enables theuser of the system to further confirm the angular readings obtained fromthe shaft and ball side view images of FIGS. 3 and 4, and to potentiallypinpoint for the golfer the reason for those angular readings. So, forexample, if it is determined from the angular readings off the shaft andstrike face that golfer 10 has a two degree forward press, and thenusing the grip side view images, it is determined that although thegolfer's wrists are remaining still, golfer 10 is leaning forward on hisleft leg, the findings from the angular readings have been confirmed andthe cause of the forward press has been determined.

[0049] Screen 304 of FIG. 7 includes an overhead view still image,previously captured from camera 26, obtained immediately after the golfclub has impacted the ball. By viewing overhead view images immediatelyprior to and then following the point of club/ball impact (using forexample forward step function 318), it may be determined whether golfer10 is tracking the putter on the appropriate swing plane or line.

[0050] More particularly, using rectangle function 330 and anglefunction 332 of the system, a rectangle 602 may be drawn around theputter head with a rectangle width approximately corresponding to thelength of the putter head, and with a rectangle length approximatelycorresponding to the length of the putting stroke. By stepping throughthe putting stroke (using forward step function 318 and reverse stepfunction 322) while rectangle 602 is superimposed over screen 304, andby drawing angles corresponding to the putter face at various intervalswithin the stroke (see, for example, the exemplary angles—87°, 89°, 90°,and 88°—set forth in FIG. 7), it may be determined if golfer 10 iskeeping the golf club on the appropriate swing plane, or alternatively,if golfer 10 is going inside or outside that swing plane. If golfer 10is taking the putter inside the appropriate swing plane on his backswing, golfer 10 is likely either to keep the putter face open at impact(resulting in a putt that will miss to the right), or to draw the golfball upon impact (resulting in inaccurate putting direction anddistance). If golfer 10 is taking the putter outside the appropriateswing plane on his back swing, golfer 10 is likely either to keep theputter face closed at impact (resulting in a putt that will miss to theleft), or to slice the golf ball upon impact (resulting in inaccurateputting direction and distance).

[0051] Once it has been determined whether golfer 10 is deviating fromthe appropriate swing plane, this information may be used to customize aputter for golfer 10 in accordance with his or her individual swingcharacteristics. Specifically, if golfer 10 is bringing the golf cluboutside the appropriate swing plane during the backstroke, his or herputter should be configured with more “offset” for those reasonspreviously discussed. Alternatively, if golfer 10 is bringing the putterinside the appropriate swing plane during the backstroke, the golf clubshould be configured with less offset or no offset, also for thosereasons previously discussed.

[0052] Overhead view image of FIG. 7 may also be used to determine theamount of head movement golfer 10 has during his or her putting stroke.Using line function 326 (by depressing button 326 in FIG. 4), a line 604may be drawn along the left edge of golfer 10's head just prior to thestart of his or her putting stroke. The putting stroke may then bestepped through, frame by frame, until the point in the putting strokehas been reached where the club head contacts the golf ball. Linefunction 326 may then be used to measure the distance, if any, the leftedge of golfer 10's head has moved from its initial position.

[0053] It must additionally be noted that, because the system has no wayof knowing the actual distance between points in screen 304 (becausegolfer 10 and the putter are not reproduced to scale on the screen),distances must first be calibrated. To do this, a line is drawn betweentwo points, between which the distance is known (for example, thediameter of the ball, which is known to be 1.68 inches). The system isthen instructed by the system operator as to what distance that is.Using this calibration, any line can be drawn on the screen using linefunction 326, the distance of which the system will now be able tocompute (although this distance will not be the exact distance, giventhe fact that the golf ball, against which the distance is calibrated,appears smaller on the screen than the golfer's head, as it is fartheraway from the video camera). In this fashion, it can be determined justhow far the golfer's head is moving during the putting stroke.

[0054] If golfer 10 is moving his or her head backward (or forward) morethan 1½ inches during the stroke, the head movement will in most casescause the putter club head to lift off the ground, resulting in asteeper angle of attack and a de-lofted strike face at impact. Thisinformation can be used to further confirm the results of the angularreadings from the shaft and strike face (discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 3 and 4), and to allow the system operator to pinpoint the reasonwhy golfer 10 has de-lofted the club at impact.

[0055] It must additionally be noted that circle function 328 may beused, in the place of line function 326, to compute the distance agolfer's head moves during the putting stroke. Using circle function 328(by depressing button 328 in FIG. 4), a circle may be drawn aroundgolfer 10's head just prior to the start of his or her putting stroke.The putting stroke may then be stepped through, frame by frame, untilthe point in the putting stroke has been reached where the putter headcontacts the golf ball. Line function 326 may then be used to measurethe distance from one side of the golfer's head to the point on thecircle representing the position where that same side was at theinitiation of the putting stroke.

[0056] Screen 304 of FIG. 8 includes a forward facing view still image,previously captured from camera 28, obtained immediately after the golfclub has impacted the ball. Using angle function 332, the angle of sole820 upon the putter's impact with the ball may be determined from thisstill image. As mentioned, angle function 332 allows the user to drawtwo lines over image screen 304, said two lines connecting to form avertex. The system will then compute the precise angle formed betweenthese two lines. Accordingly, to determine the sole angle at impact, theuser first draws a line along the shaft of the putter, and then connectsto that line a horizontal line representing the putting surface. Theputting analysis system will then compute and display the angle betweenthese two lines, which represents the shaft angle at impact with theball. An example of two such lines, and the resulting angular read-out702 (66 degrees in FIG. 8), can be seen in video image screen 304 ofFIG. 8. This angular reading is also displayed to two-decimal placeaccuracy (66.13 degrees in FIG. 8), at a second position 704 on thecomputer screen. This shaft angle (66 degrees in FIG. 8) may then becompared to the shaft angle when the sole is parallel to the puttingsurface (generally 71 degrees) to determine the putter sole angle atimpact, which in this example would be 5 degrees.

[0057] More specifically, using the obtained angular reading from theputter shaft, it may be determined whether the lie of the putter withknown dimensions is too upright or too flat for golfer 10's individualswing characteristics. As mentioned, the common lie angle for a putteris 71 degrees. If, however, it is determined from angular read-outs 702and 704 that golfer 10 is striking the ball with the toe of the putter5° from horizontal (that is, the toe is above the heel at a 5° anglefrom horizontal as shown in FIG. 8), then the putter of golfer 10 may becustomized to include a 66° lie. Similarly, if it is determined fromangular read-outs 702 and 704 that golfer 10 is striking the ball withthe heel of the putter 5° from horizontal (that is, the heel is abovethe toe at a 5° angle from horizontal), then the putter of golfer 10 maybe customized to include a 76° lie.

[0058] One skilled in the art will appreciate that, once golfer 10'sputting stroke has been analyzed, and once golfer 10 has been custom fitwith a putter based upon this analysis, steps 50 through 62 (as shown inFIG. 2) may again be followed—this time using the custom-fit putter asthe putter of known dimensions discussed in conjunction with step 50. Byre-analyzing the golfer's putting stroke in this fashion, it may bedetermined whether the custom fit putter is providing golfer 10, asexpected, with desirable swing results.

[0059] Various embodiments of the invention have been described. Thedescriptions are offered by way of illustration, not limitation. Thus,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications maybe made to the invention as described without departing from the scopeof the claims set out below.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for analyzing a golfer's swing, comprising: a striking location for accommodating a golf ball to be struck; video capture means directed at said striking location for obtaining video images of a golf club during a swing at a golf ball in said striking location; video image storage means for receiving and storing the video images from said video capture means; means for initiating storage of video images from said video capture means by said video image storage means; a display connected to said video image storage means for displaying video images of a golfer's swing stored by said video image storage means; means for analyzing video images of a golfer's swing displayed on said display; and means for determining from an analysis of a golfer's swing using said analyzing means what golf club dimensions will provide the golfer with predetermined swing results.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a golf club of predetermined dimensions, said golf club including a shaft and club head with a strike face and a sole; and wherein said determining means further comprises means for determining from an analysis using said analyzing means of a golfer's swing with said golf club, the amount the dimensions of said golf club must be adjusted to provide the golfer with predetermined swing results.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said video capture means includes video capture means positioned on a side of said striking location opposite the position of a golfer during a swing at a golf ball in said striking location for obtaining side view video images of the striking location during a golf swing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said determining means includes means for determining, from said side view video images, the angle of the club shaft upon impact of said golf club with a golf ball, and wherein said determining means further includes means for determining based on said angle the strike face angle of the club head that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said video capture means further includes video capture means positioned on a side of the striking location opposite the position of the golfer, during a swing at a golf ball in said striking location, for obtaining side view video images of a golf ball during a golf swing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising: means for confirming the strike face angle of the club head that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing, said confirming means including means for analyzing, from said side view video images of a golf ball, the performance of a golf ball following impact with the golf club.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said video capture means includes video capture means positioned in front of the striking location and in line with a golfer's target during a swing at a golf ball in said striking location, for obtaining front view video images of the striking location during a golf swing.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said determining means includes means for determining, from said front view video images, the angle of the sole of said golf club upon impact of said golf club with a golf ball, and wherein said determining means further includes means for determining based on said angle the golf club lie that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said video capture means comprises a high-speed video camera that records video images at speeds greater than or equal to 600 frames per second.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said golf club is a golf putter.
 11. An apparatus for analyzing a golfer's putting stroke and determining based thereon a suitable putter configuration for the golfer, comprising: a striking location for accommodating a golf ball to be struck; a putter having predetermined dimensions, said predetermined dimensions including the lie and loft of said putter; a plurality of video cameras positioned near and aimed at said striking location for obtaining video images of the putter during a stroke at a golf ball in said striking location; video image storage means for receiving and storing the video images from said plurality of video cameras; means for initiating storage of video images from said video cameras by said video image storage means; a display connected to said video image storage means for displaying video images of a golfer's stroke stored by said video image storage means; means for analyzing video images of a golfer's stroke displayed on said display; and means for determining from an analysis of a golfer's putting stroke using said analyzing means the amount the dimensions of said putter must be adjusted to provide the golfer with predetermined putting results.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said plurality of video cameras includes a video camera positioned on a side of said striking location opposite the position of a golfer during a stroke at a golf ball in said striking location for obtaining side view video images of the striking location during a golf stroke.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said determining means includes means for determining, from said side view video images, the angle of the club shaft upon impact of said putter with a golf ball, and wherein said determining means further includes means for determining based on said angle the loft of the putter that will provide improved results when using the golfer's stroke.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said plurality of video cameras further include a video camera positioned on a side of the striking location opposite the position of the golfer, during a stroke at a golf ball in said striking location, for obtaining side view video images of a golfer's putting grip during a golf stroke.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising: means for confirming the loft of the putter that will provide improved results when using the golfer's putting stroke, said confirming means including means for determining, from said side view video images of a golfer's putting grip, the amount a golfer's wrists are moving during a putting stroke.
 16. A method for configuring a golf club in accordance with an individual golfer's swing, comprising the steps of: providing to a golfer a first golf club with predetermined dimensions, said first golf club including a shaft and club head with a strike face; positioning a golf ball in a striking location; positioning video camera means near the striking location to obtain video images of the first golf club and a golfer using the first golf club during the golfer's swing at a golf ball in the striking location; activating said video camera means; storing images obtained by said video camera means during a golfer's swing; determining from said stored video images the position of the first golf club during a golfer's swing; and configuring and dimensioning a second golf club that will produce predetermined swing results for a golfer based on data obtained from the position of the first golf club during the golfer's swing.
 17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising the step of: determining from said stored video images the amount the predetermined dimensions of said golf club must be adjusted to provide the golfer with predetermined swing results.
 18. The method of claim 17 , wherein said step of positioning video camera means includes positioning video camera means on a side of said striking location opposite the position of a golfer during a swing at a golf ball in said striking location for obtaining side view video images of the striking location during a golf swing.
 19. The method of claim 18 , wherein said step of determining includes determining, from said side view video images, the angle of the club shaft upon impact of said golf club with a golf ball, and wherein said step of determining further includes determining based on said angle the strike face angle of the club head that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing.
 20. The method of claim 19 , wherein said step of positioning further includes positioning video camera means on a side of the striking location opposite the position of the golfer, during a swing at a golf ball in said striking location, for obtaining side view video images of a golf ball during a golf swing.
 21. The method of claim 20 , further comprising the step of: confirming the strike face angle of the club head that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing, said confirming step including analyzing, from said side view video images of a golf ball, the performance of a golf ball following impact with the golf club.
 22. The method of claim 16 , wherein said golf club is a golf putter, and the known dimensions include the lie and loft of the putter.
 23. A method for configuring a golf club in accordance with an individual golfer's swing, comprising the steps of: providing to a golfer a first golf club with predetermined dimensions, said first golf club including a shaft and club head with a strike face; positioning a golf ball in a striking location; analyzing the golf swing of the golfer using the first golf club; determining from said analysis the position of the first golf club during a golfer's swing; and configuring and dimensioning a second golf club that will produce predetermined swing results for a golfer based on data obtained from the position of the first golf club during the golfer's swing.
 24. The method of claim 23 , further comprising the step of determining the amount the predetermined dimensions of said golf club must be adjusted to provide the golfer with predetermined swing results.
 25. The method of claim 24 , wherein said step of determining includes determining the angle of the club shaft upon impact of said golf club with a golf ball, and wherein said step of determining further includes determining based on said angle the strike face angle of the club head that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing.
 26. The method of claim 25 , further comprising the step of confirming the strike face angle of the club head that will provide improved results when using the golfer's swing, said confirming step including analyzing the performance of a golf ball following impact with the golf club.
 27. The method of claim 23 , wherein said golf club is a golf putter, and the known dimensions include the lie and loft of the putter. 